Italian Senate President doubts Pirlo's coaching appointment, citing 'leap into the dark'

Ignazio La Russa, the president of the Italian Senate, voiced strong reservations about the appointment of Andrea Pirlo as the new coach of the Italian national team, describing the decision as a "leap into the dark."

“

May God send us good luck, I thought of Conte or Mancini.

Speaking to ANSA, La Russa, while expressing respect for Pirlo's legendary playing career, questioned his readiness for the coaching role. He suggested that the federation might have opted for Pirlo as a less controversial choice after a widely publicized, but ultimately unsuccessful, pursuit of Pep Guardiola. La Russa implied that Guardiola's availability was a "media trial balloon" designed to make Pirlo's selection seem more palatable.

"I thought the choice would be between coaches accustomed to first place like Conte and Mancini, then this novelty arrived," La Russa stated, referencing former national team coaches. He expressed concern that the federation might be making a mistake, drawing parallels to previous questionable coaching appointments like Ventura and Gattuso.

“

Of course, I am a fan of Italy and Pirlo was a great champion: but as a coach it is a leap into the dark.

The senator's comments drew criticism from the Five Star Movement (M5s). Deputy Antonino Picierno questioned La Russa's right to intervene in the Football Federation's decisions, suggesting the Senate president should maintain institutional balance and avoid acting as a censor. Picierno also alluded to past controversies regarding La Russa's alleged favoritism in appointments, questioning if he had other "relatives or friends to place" who might be hindered by Pirlo's nomination.

“

I thought the choice would be between coaches accustomed to first place like Conte and Mancini, then this novelty arrived.

Despite his reservations, La Russa concluded by offering his support to the Italian team, urging "Forza Italia, Forza Pirlo, Forza Malagò, Forza everyone."

“

I've had enough of playing Cassandra, I don't want to do it.